Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue Issue No. 46/2007, 23 - 24 April, 2007 Editorial THE PRESS RELEASE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNLAWFUL ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD GIVE ADVICE!! According to Section 6 of the Constitution, it is the duty of every citizen to defend the Constitution. Infact Section 207 subsection (3) indicates very clearly that “The press and other information media shall at all times be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of the Constitution, and the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of the Gambia.” The Executive has sworn to defend the Constitution without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Section 193 subsection (1) of the Constitution states that “Local government administration in the Gambia shall be based on a system of democratically elected councils with a high degree of local autonomy.” Section 193 subsection (4) adds that “It shall be the object of the local government system that as far as possible, issues of local policy and administration shall be decided at a local level and that local government authorities shall cooperate with the central government in adopting a policy of decentralisation.” Section 194 of the Constitution makes it mandatory for the Local Government Act to have a provision for the “direct election of the Mayor or Chairman (chairperson) of the authority” Section 12 of the Local Government Act states that “The Chairperson of a City Council or Municipal Council shall be known as the Mayor or Mayoress, as the case may be.” Section 13 adds that “A Chairperson shall be elected by Universal adult suffrage of all eligible voters in the local government area.” According to Section 11 of the Act the Councils comprise elected and nominated members. According to subsection (2) of Section 11 “The nominated members are supposed to be proposed by civil organisations or interest groups they represent, and appointed by the Chairperson with the approval of the Secretary of State.” What is strange with the two municipalities is that the elected Mayors have been pushed aside and were replaced with Acting Mayors who are nominated members of Council. Furthermore, the nominated member who had been acting as Mayor in the KMC has now been removed and replaced with a person whose nomination as a member is yet to be announced and who was up to the time of his appointment a member of the IEC. The question now arises. Has he been removed as an IEC Commissioner or has he resigned. If both had not happened then Section 17 subsection 3 (1) disqualifies him to be a member. In short, Section 17 subsection (3)(i) of the Local Government Act states that “A person shall not qualify to be elected or nominated as a member of a Council if he or she is a member of the Independent Electoral Commission.” It is also an irony that the two elected Mayors must still be holding office and should be paid incomes if the situation is considered objectively. In short, Section 20(1) of the Local Government Act makes provision for removal for abuse of office, corruption, misconduct, physical or mental incapacity for discharging duties. The amended version provides for suspension pending a commission of enquiry. However, if the Chairperson is suspended it is the deputy who should act or “ a councillor, appointed by the members of the council from among the elected councillors shall act as Deputy Chairperson.” Hence if the first and second Mayors of the KMC are still under suspension then what has happened to the requirement of the law for the Deputy Chairperson to act? If they are removed then where does Section 23 of the Local Government Act stand? This section states “Where an elected member of a council ceases to hold office under Sections 19 to 22 of this Act, a by election shall be held within two months to elect another person to replace him or her, except that where he or she ceased to hold office within six months before the end of his/her tenure of office no by election shall be held.” Foroyaa holds that the Constitution and the Local Government Act are being flouted by the Executive with regards to the administration of Banjul and Kanifing municipalities. The newly commissioned Acting Mayor of KMC should contact the Attorney General for advice if he is still a member of the IEC and if he is not nominated as a member of the council in accordance with the Local Government Act. What may have been in line with the amendment of the Local Government Act which weakened the autonomy of the councils is to create the post of Local administrator and appoint Mr. Njie to perform such oversight role. As it stands much confusion looms over the mandate for his appointment. The Attorney General should either make public comments to rectify us if we are wrong or step in to guide the actions of the Executive and make the necessary public announcements with speed. AIDS Treatment UNAIDS and WHO underline importance of evidence based approaches to treatment in response to HIV/AIDS By Sarjo Camara Singhateh Geneva, 16 March 2007 – The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterate the importance of evidence based approaches to AIDS treatment as part of a comprehensive response to the epidemic. According to UNAIDS and WHO, Sub-Saharan Africa carries the highest burden of HIV infections and AIDS-related mortality in the world. No cure for AIDS exists. Once a person has been infected with HIV, he or she remains infected for life. Countries and partners are therefore working together to accelerate access to HIV prevention, treatment and care to mitigate the impact of the epidemic in the African region. Herbal remedies cannot take the place of comprehensive treatment and care for people living with HIV (including prophylaxis and treatment for opportunistic infections, and highly active antiretroviral therapy where indicated). These treatments should not be stopped in favour of any such remedy. Discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy, once people have commenced their treatment programmes, will lead to very serious adverse effects, and even death. HIV drug resistance is also more likely to occur. UNAIDS and WHO are promoting and supporting the use of combination antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral treatment is an important component in the response to AIDS––for people living with HIV and who are in need of antiretroviral treatment––it can both prolong life and improve quality of life. In low- and middle-income countries over 1.6 million people are receiving antiretroviral treatment. With increased resources and global commitment to scale up access to antiretroviral treatment, coverage increased in sub-Saharan Africa from less than 2% in 2003 to 23% in June 2006. These gains must be sustained. UNAIDS and WHO recommend that on no account should patients on antiretroviral therapy interrupt their treatment unless advised to do so on medical grounds by their treating physicians or health care workers. Comment Foroyaa attempted to fix an appointment with Dr. Mbowe, in order to find out his opinion on the possible collaboration with international experts to assess the safety of the therapeutic intervention of the Gambia according to standards of best practice. We are still unable to track him down. He may contact Foroyaa as soon as he reads this issue. Messages have been left for him at the office without any response. BRIKAMABA POLICE OFFICERS DETAINED By Yaya Dampha Reports have it that last week the police officers at Brikama Police Station in Central River Region were arrested and taken straight to Janjangbureh Prison, where they are currently detained. The officers are laid to eight in number and they include the station officer. According to the reports, the police officers arrested one man from Senegal in relation to cattle theft but that the suspect escaped from custody. Station Officer Sowe is said to have been arrested at Janjangbureh while Lance Corporal Mballow is said to have been arrested at his home village, Fulabantang where he is the Alkalo. When this reporter visited Brikamaba Police Station last Wednesday, he found that a unit of paramilitary officers have now taken over the station. When Police Public Relations Officer was contacted he said he was not aware of anything like that. Editor’s Comment We will contact the Public Relations Officer again for police confirmation of the report. CHIEF MANNEH’S WHEREABOUTS NOT KNOWN Chief Ebrima Manneh, a journalist working with the Daily Observer, was arrested by the two agents of the National Intelligence Agency at his work place early July 2006. He was since been detained at the NIA headquarters in Banjul before being transferred to Gunjur, Sare Ngai and Fatoto Police Stations. When this reporter last saw him it was in Fatoto in January 2007. However this time this reporter went to all these stations but could not establish his whereabouts. Sources at Fatoto have it that Mr. Manneh was transferred to an unknown destination sometime in February. Many believe that he is taken to a station in Kombo. Others say the NIA collected him and took him to Banjul. When contacted, the police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jobarteh said he did know anything about Chief Manneh. MASTER TAMBA DETAINED AT FATOTO Mr. Tamba Fofana, the headmaster of Kudang Lower Basic School, who was arrested on 16 September 2006 (8 months ago) by Inspector Omar Jawo of Bansang Police Station, is being detained at Fatoto. Mr. Fofana who has been detained at several other police stations was brought to Fatoto from Sare Ngai Police Station where he has spent about five months. When this reporter visited the station he saw Master Tamba in cell and called him “uncle.” Mr. Tamba’s face looked pale and bony. According to sources, Mr. Tamba was brought there when Foroyaa published that he was at Sare Ngai. He was taken to Fatoto over a month ago. When contacted Mrs. Fofana said since her husband’s arrest she was given information that her husband was there and that he was sick. She said the police came and told her that she should leave the station since the person she saw was not Tamba Fofana. It is said that medicaments and food she gave to the Police were returned to her even though she asked them to give the foods to any other person(s) they might have with them. Readers could recall that in December last year the high court in Banjul gave orders for the release of Master Tamba Fofana on bail. The state has since then not honoured this court order. Master Tamba and many people have been under detention for over the (72) seventy-two hours required by the constitution of The Gambia. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Jobarteh said he does not know anything about Master Tamba. This reporter further told him about the high court order of last December for Tamba to be released on bail; the PRO said he did not know about that too. DOCKWORKERS CALL OFF STRIKE THREAT By Fabakary B. Ceesay The Secretary General of The Gambia Dock and Marine Workers’ Union, Mr. Landing Sanyang, told Foroyaa that they had called off their sit down strike after one of their main demands had been met. He said further that the other main demand will be tabled tomorrow, Tuesday 24 April. He said their decision to call off the strike followed the intervention of the Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment. Mr. Sanyang told Foroyaa that their first major demand which has been met is to fill the gangs by promoting dockworkers to unfilled positions. He went on to say that in this regard the Permanent Secretary had instructed the Commissioner of Labour to immediately fill all the vacant positions. He added that dockworkers who do not belong to gangs will be registered to become part of a gang. He noted that all this will be done by tomorrow. According to Mr. Sanyang, their second demand, which will be tabled tomorrow concerns the payment mechanism. He said that it is the Gambia Ports Authority which controls their payment and bonus system. He indicated that the bonus system which used to apply no longer applies. He added that they are “not allowed to work on board vessels, at the wharf and at the wharehouses.” He informed Foroyaa that the GPA though not part last meeting, will be present at tomorrow’s meeting. Efforts to talk the GPA was unsuccessful. Foroyaa could not also get the views of the Permanent Secretary, Trade, Industry and Employment because he had travelled while the Deputy Permanent Secretary declined to speak. SCHOOL GIRL AND KOMBO EAST MP’S FRACAS By Suwaibou & Modou Jonga A case is building up at the Mandinaba Post to which the attention of the media has been called to prevent such fracas. It is reported that it has been on since 16 April 2007. Abibatou Sanyang, a student of Muslim High School was taken to the Brikama health centre and was later directed to go to the RVTH after allegedly receiving a severe beating from the MP of Kombo East, Hon. Lamin M.M. Bojang and his son. Flabbergasted by the whole incident Abibatou’s step-mother claimed that she could not understand how conflict between children could drive the MP to such rage as to ignore her pleading for mercy as he gave her daughter severe beating in their own compound. She could not understand why the MP gave her repeated slaps to the point of deafening her ear for some time. It is reported that another by stander reported the incident to the police through a phone call; that the police asked them to give their statements. Apparently, the school girl, the mother and the woman who reported the case and the MP have given their statements. When Foroyaa contacted the NAM for Kombo East Mr. Lamin M.M. Bojang, he declined to comment noting that such incident is a family issue. The Kombo East NAM further opined that some unknown elements are bent on gaining some political dividends from this little, non political family issue, thereby tarnishing his image. FATOU JAW MANNEH’S TRIAL “PRESIDENT JAMMEH DID NOT LACK DIRECTION,” Says Witness By Fabakary B. Ceesay The NIA officer (name withheld) testifying in the sedition trial of journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh has said that President Jammeh is not somebody who totally lacks direction. He was responding to the article alleged to be an interview with Fatou Jaw Manneh, while in U.S.A. He said that he had seen the said article on the Freedom online newspaper. He said that the accused person was a subscriber to that online newspaper. He noted that the Freedom Newspaper is owned by a Gambian based in the United States. He added that the article was published on 23rd October 2005 and that he saw the article in the first week of its publication. He asserted that he saw the said article on the internet on many occasions and that many people could have also read it on the net. He stressed that the internet is for universal coverage and that it does not go directly to anybody but to the whole world. At this point, he was asked by the state counsel E. O Fagbenle to read paragraph three of the said article. He read as thus: “Betrayal, Jammeh is tearing our beloved country into shreds, he debunked our hopes and became a thorn into every issue that is related to progress in The Gambia; be it social, political and economical. Worst of all he is a bundle of terror.” Continuing, the witness opined that Jammeh became president in 1994 and was elected to office on term-basis but he (the witness) did not know any act of betrayal done by Jammeh. He opined that he could not say from 1994 to date where Jammeh has torn our country into shreds. He added that he did not know of any issue or fact where Jammeh has been a thorn in every issue that leads to progress in The Gambia, be it social, political or economic. “I do not know of any fact or incident where Jammeh could be branded as a bundle of terror.” He said in his opinion those allegations are not true. He said when he read that article, he felt very bad. The accusations labelled against the President is not true,” he said. The state counsel asked him to read out paragraph four on the same article. He read it thus: “If you look around in The Gambia, particularly at the conditions people lived in, you will see what I mean; that Gambians are desperately in need of an alternative to this egoistic frosty Imam of APRC Jammeh is full of energy and totally lacks direction, all he needs is to come clear to the Gambian people that he has failed us all miserably; that he will be doing everything to revitalise his promises to The Gambian people, excuse his ten years in officer rather than forcing us to like him or forcing us to recognise the developments that do not exist.” The witness stated that his opinion is that President Jammeh is not an egoistic frosty Imam of APRC and that since 1994 he does not know of any negative energy of him. “President Jammeh did not totally lack direction and did not fail Gambians miserably” he opined. He never forced anybody to like him but what can force Gambians to like him is that he is development oriented, that anybody who sees that will like him” he said. He opined that, Jammeh brought many developments in The Gambia, such as university, good road networks, new airport building, numerous hospitals, numerous schools, from lower to upper levels. He also opined that earning capacity of Gambians has increased between 1994 to date. He said that there are street lights which were not there before, adding “I did not agree with the accused person’s comments on the article and as far as I know they are not true. The NIA officer concluded that there are three (3) arms of The Gambia government that is the executive, judiciary and legislature. He said that members of the legislature are elected through elections or by nomination. He added that such procedures are contained in the Constitution of The Gambia. “The constitution is a legal and a public document,” he said. During cross examination by defence counsel Lamin Jobarteh, the witness indicated that he is an O’level product with six grades, adding that he has a certificate and will be in a position to produce it in court if necessary. He said that he graduated in 1995 and joined the NIA in 2003. Jobarteh asked him whether he had travelled from Banjul to Koina and seen the state of the development there. The witness replied that he never travelled beyond Basse and may not know the state of development beyond that. Jobarteh asked him about the state of the road between Barra and Amdalai and whether there is any electricity there. He said that there was no electricity but that in his opinion the road condition there is as good as between Banjul and Serrekunda. “I’m putting it to you that, the road between Barra and Amdalai is as bad as the road between Mandinaba and Soma and that you are not telling the truth,” said Jobarteh. He replied, “I’m speaking the truth and that the road is not as bad as that.” “Can you define the word frosty, asked Jobarteh. The NIA officer replied “No.” At that juncture the case was adjourned till Friday 4th May 2007. The case was heard at Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Magistrate Buba Jawo. ADG CALLS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA By Amie Sanneh The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner, Obase B. Okonger, has described good governance as a democratic system where people have human rights, freedom of association and there is transparency. Mr. Okonger pointed out that to be a champion of democracy one must be educated as, only educated people can make informed decisions and choices. The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner made these remarks at the launching of a biannual magazine and the first anniversary of Africa in Democracy and Good Governance (ADG). Mr. Okonger added that both men and women must be equal in terms of education. Empowerment of women, he said, is part of good governance and democracy. The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner also commented on the rights of children. He said children need to be empowered noting that the future lies in their hands. He said if children are not given a good start they would not be able to have a good future. Mr. Okonger urged governments to be transparent and objective to their people. The Director of Programs ADG, Edwin Nebolisa Nwakaeme, said his Association was founded to contribute to the growing efforts to promote and inculcate democratic values and principles. He pointed out that his Association is characterised by a strong and vibrant society. LACK OF MEDICAL REPORT DELAYS TABARA SAMBA’S MURDER TRIAL By Bubacarr K. Sowe The unavailability of a medical report to the prosecution in the ongoing murder trial of Tabara Samba has affected the proceedings of the case on Monday. Presiding Magistrate, Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrate Court said the police are trying to get a medical report regarding the circumstances of the case. He also said that the brother of the Lawyer defending the accused person had a funeral and could not be in court. The magistrate therefore adjourned the trial to a fortnight for continuation. Mrs. Samba was dragged to court for allegedly murdering her husband. FOCUS ON POLITICS SIGNS OF CORRUPTION EVIDENT “STOP ROBBING THE NATION,” Says Honourable Kemo Sanneh With Suwaibou Touray We have been rewriting our history, The Gambian history from pre-colonial to post-independence era. We have dealt with the 1977 elections and its aftermath. We have stopped where we said; the future at the time could not be predicted. Beneath the pomp and self-aggrandizement lay a blooming official corruption. The parliamentary opposition led by Honourable Sheriff Dibba continued with their work in organizing their meetings, holding rallies, criticizing government etc. The PPP during this period 1978 appeared to be in disarray. The exposures in the Newspapers on the allegations of corruption among his own cabinet ministers and within the civil service must have motivated President Jawara to reshuffle his cabinet. He put pressure on two ministers either to resign or be terminated. Alhagie Yaya Ceesay was terminated as Minister of State for Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1978 A.B. Njie was also removed through pressure to resign which he did. Mr. Kebba Nyama Leigh was also removed as Minister of Local Government and Lands. According to the Nation Newspaper the action of the president is a continuous process of purging the PPP of what he called “Dissident elements” noting that the split within the PPP was between the radicals and the pragmatists. According to the Nation, it was the radicals who were being purged. These people were added to the list of original party leadership meant to have been politically frozen, commented the Nation. It was said that supporters had made efforts to convince the president to reinstate them but also demanded explanation.. After a long period of exposure, the president himself on Koriteh day September 4th 1978, called on the Muslim elders and prevailed on them to condemn very strongly the menace of corruption and to remind their congregations of the laws of Islam. Sir Dawda reshuffled his cabinet and made cabinet changes as follows; Mr. Assan Musa Camara – Vice President, Alh. M.C Cham – Minister of Finance and Trade, Alh J.L.B Daffeh – Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Landing Jallow Sonko – Minster of Economic Planning and Industrial Development; Alh. Yaya Ceesay – Minister of State, H.O. Semega Janneh – Retained the Ministry of Information and Tourism, Mr. Kuti Sanyang – Minister of Works and Communication, Mr. M.C Jallow – Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Alh. Lamin Saho – Retained Post of Attorney General. Many people began to wonder why he removed Alh. Yaya Ceesay as Minister of Agriculture, only to re-instate him as Minister of State. Was it done to appease the supporters who prevailed on him to do so or was it done because Alh. Yaya Ceesay remained an influential figure within the P.P.P ranks? The president went on a country –wide tour and according to the Nation, he discovered to his surprise that some projects were on a standstill. Projects such as the Wassu Stone Circles, a Museum and Kiosk which had been stopped for the last two years. When he came back from the tour, the press met with him and asked questions relating to corruption. Sir Dawda also asked the press what they thought could have been a solution to the menace. According to the Nation, it was suggested to him to establish an enquiry into the Assets of M.Ps and public officers but Sir Dawda said “I am not sure whether that was the best way of dealing with the acquisition of properties.” He also said he would not like to see revenge or witch hunt of any kind. But pressure continued to mount on the president. Mr. M. Taal of the U.P said in the house that he was ready to prove that the Minister of Local Government gave out plots on the condition that the applicant bribes him, but Mr. M.C Cham stood up to demand proof otherwise to withdraw his statement. The Speaker Sir Alieu Sulayman Jack then asked him to withdraw which he did but insisted that he would meet the minister responsible. Mr. Kemo Sanneh also in his reaction to the president’s speech called on the ministers to stop robbing the Nation, by building what he called “luxurious buildings” when their earnings could not meet the costs. According to the Nation Newspaper, he then called on government to set up a commission on Assets to look into the assets of everyone in the Government, including public officers. He further suggested that where the acquisition could not be explained such property be confiscated by the state. A further embarrassment for the government was when the country had celebrated the 13th anniversary of independence, Sir Dawda opened a new Banjul/Barra Ferry Terminal with the coming into operation of a new super ferry boat, named “Banjul.” The first iron ferry in The Gambia. According to the Nation, less than three months, the ferry was temporarily withdrawn from service owing to a major fault in one of the engines. This had given amble reason to the opposition to show all the more how corruption had made development difficult. But some good news came for the country when on September 18th 1978, a new boat which could carry over 700 tons was named after the president’s second wife “The Lady Chilel.” It was built at Ferguson Yard, Port Glasgow in UK at the cost of £1.5 million pounds. Two thirds of the cost was provided under the UK aids funds. “Lady Chilel” had its maiden voyage from Banjul to Basse, taking passengers. According to the Nation and the Outlook, Mr. B.L.K Sanyang, Minister of Works was on board. So was the acting British High Commissioner, Mr. Holiday. Captain Sallah of the boat was also on board as well as a well known local businessman and father of Lady Chilel. According to the Nation, Alh. Momodou Musa Njie opened a full sack of coins and notes on the quay which was distributed among the people for what he called his appreciation of the name of the boat “Lady Chilel” his daughter. For the opposition, a tragic news struck the whole country. The death of Mr. Bakary Camara in a tragic road accident, the dynamic Bakau M.P who was well liked by his people. His life came to an end on March 19th 1978. On 5th June, a bye election ensued. But Mr. Camara’s death galvanized the support for the NCP. So they did not only win but increased their margin by 638 votes. The defeat was so devastating to the ruling party that The Gambia News Bulletin carried what the Nation described as only a drab reporting of the event. The Radio Gambia as well did exactly the same. Two Bojangs contested against each other, one Famara Bojang for the PPP and Mr. Demba Bojang of the NCP who won and earned himself the alias Demba (by-force). The NCP also seemingly beefed up the executive committee by including the Sabach Sanjal popular Independent candidate into their fold, Mr. Lamin Waa Juwara. In all the meetings held by the NCP, Lamin would be heard attacking the Jawara regime. For example at the NCP Sukuta rally, Mr. Juwara said in a situation which Sir Dawda himself admits that his government included thieves and the dishonest, it would be honourable to hand over the government to others. According to the Nation Newspaper, Mr. Juwara criticized Sir Dawda as being indifferent, neglectful and careless. He also charged that tons of rice given as gift to the people had been sold instead. He called on the Minister responsible Mr. Kebba Leigh to resign. What were however becoming evident at the time were the signs of discontent, evident in 1977 to only close observers. But by 1978, it was glaring to even those who were slumbering. This was why the Outlook observed in their editorial, that “For the first time, there are some intellectuals who felt left out without being offered any part to perform in the advancement of the country. See the next issue for more on the signs of discontent in the country. GFA League: Wallidan Stay Top By Modou Nyang Pa Modou Ngum’s first half strike ensured Wallidan stay top of the division 1 league table at the utter dismay of defending champions, Gambia Ports Authority FC. Ngum’s 44th minute header at Banjul on Saturday was enough to earn the 2005 champions all three points to keep them going for the top prize in Gambian club football midway of the competition. The win however, was not without controversy as Ports were left fuming when Ebrima Drammeh was fouled by Wallidan keeper Ansumana Sanneh inside the penalty area in the final minute of regulation time and his goal bound effort cleared by the defence. The Ports Authority bench complained claiming that the referee should have awarded a penalty. The top of the table clash at the Banjul playing grounds provided a tough first half where most of the goal scoring opportunities fall to Wallidan as both side employed strong tackles to maintain command of the game. Strike pair Amadou Gaye and Pa Modou Ngum were always at it and in the 24th minute Gaye’s header narrowly went out when he was setup by Ngum. And when Ngum had already given his side the lead through, he missed another opportunity to double the score just before the break. Ports responded with a double substitution in the second period bringing in Abdourahman Dampha and Alagi Musa Kamara for more attacking options and in the 58th minute Pa Modou Jange nearly cancelled out Wallidan’s lead when he headed from close range, but was denied by Sanneh who timed well to block his effort. As the game intensified Ports brought in Ebrima Drammeh in place of Gibou Drammeh in the 64th minute and two minutes later Hagi Tunkara’s cross was also blocked by the keeper before his strikers could connect. Wallidan introduced Sainey Touray and Alagie Sanneh in place of Ngum and Wuyeh Sey to maintain their advantage. And as the Wallidan struggled to keep out the growing attack of Ports Amadou Gaye received his marching orders when he knocked down Demba Jange. Sanna Nyassi too was always at the receiving end of the Wallidan as they fought to keep him from running the ball on to them. And as Ports hope that they could have salvaged a point from the game inside injury time, the referee blew offside when Kamara was clearly through. Hawks Fall Again, Gamtel Win By Musa Barrow Armed forces FC inflicted a narrow 1-0 defeat to Hawks on Saturday at Serrekunda West, forcing the FA cup defending champions into their second defeat in a row. A 58th minute strike by Abdou Darboe gave the soldiers vital win extending their unbeaten run to three consecutive games since resuming battles in the division 1 league. The first 45 minutes witnessed a rather titanic affair as both teams fought hard to establish their supremacy. Hawks was however the better side doing most of the attacking and in turn missed a lot of goal scoring opportunities. And when they managed to put the ball into the Armed Forces net, the referee ruled it offside. Armed Forces maintained a strong defense line closing on Hawks when they got hold of the ball and also capitalized to run on to their opponents from the break. The first half ended in a deadlock and when they returned for the second period and 13 minutes into the half, Darboe struck in to put his side in the lead. The goal triggered an intense and pulsating football as Hawks pushed forward to avenge the score. But just as in the first half they failed to convert their chances. Steadfast and defending patiently Armed Forces maintained their slender lead to the waves of attacks by Hawks as they struggled to at least salvage a point. Elsewhere at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Gamtel defeated Sait Matty by a lone goal to also maintain their unbeaten run five games. Basketball: Wallidan Win YMCA By Modou Nyang Wallidan defeated YMCA 59 to 49 on Saturday at the Manneh Sillah memorial lawn to clinch the basketball league title. The first quarter ended 16 all before Wallidan lead 29 -25 for the first break. In the third quarter Wallidan extended their lead to 37 – 30 and by the second break the score stood at 40 – 33 in favour of Wallidan. At the call of the final whistle Wallidan won by a margin of ten points. Real de Banjul’s Coach Resign By Modou Nyang Sira Ndoye coach of division 1 club side Real de Banjul has quit the club. Ndoye joined Real before the start of the current season and his exit midway in the campaign may destabilise the club. Real currently sits in the middle of the league table. ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. 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